The Hamsa Wellness Community, in partnership with the Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis and St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness, are hosting an event in the hopes of positively influencing the health of our community now and for future generations. “Genetics and Hereditary Cancer: Let’s Learn Together,” will take place on April 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center’s  Staenberg Family Complex.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from a genetic counselor and oncologist about hereditary cancers, genetic counseling, and how this impacts risk and treatment decisions, as well as medical management. Doors open at 5:30 for light refreshments and will conclude with a Q & A.

The event features Susan Jones, a genetic counselor who specializes in cancer genetics. Jones, who has worked in pediatrics and prenatal genetics, has delved into cancer genetics due to its actionability. She says, “We can do so much to prevent cancer or prevent it being detected late.”

The second presenter is Dr. Shannon Grabosch, a gynecologic oncologist at SLUCare who is committed to educating the community about the availability of genetic testing.

“The Hamsa Wellness Community is here to help educate individuals on the increased genetic risks facing our community and the importance of knowing one’s family history. We believe that knowledge is power,” says Hamsa Wellness Community Director Debbi Braunstein. “We provide support to those with an increased cancer risk as well as those going through a cancer journey. It has been said many times that the non-medical support received can make for a more positive medical outcome. Nobody should go through this alone.”

For more information on the Hamsa Wellness Community, visit jccstl.com/hamsa-wellness or contact Braunstein at 314-442-3266 or [email protected].

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